Senior Housing

To find senior living near you, start by deciding what kind of home and services are right for you. Independent living or a retirement community is any housing arrangement designed exclusively for older adults. You live in your own house or apartment but in a community that usually offers amenities, activities, and services. If you need help with daily activities such as getting dressed, cooking, and cleaning, an assisted living facility could be a better choice. If you require extensive medical care, a nursing home will have medical professionals on the premises to look after residents. Once you have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for, turn to local resources to narrow down your search. You can visit senior community centers or reach out to government helplines such as the eldercare locator in the U.S. to find services near you.

Senior living apartments are independent living complexes that specifically serve older adults. While residents live independently in their own living spaces, senior living apartments also often come with community services such as recreational programs, activities, and other services. Other types of independent living facilities offer houses rather than apartments for even more privacy. However, since senior living apartments are aimed at older adults who need little or no assistance, most do not offer medical care or nursing staff. For these, assisted living facilities may be a better option.

Depending on where you live, you will likely find different types of senior living communities near you. When weighing local options, consider the desired level of independence and assistance. Retirement or independent living communities cater to older adults, but they also offer plenty of self-sufficiency and minimal support. Assisted living communities, on the other hand, provide residents with custodial care, such as help with bathing and eating. You can find senior living communities near you by researching online, visiting senior community centers, or calling local government helplines such as the eldercare locator in the U.S.

Medicare typically won’t cover the cost of assisted living. Assisted living often involves long-term custodial care, which can encompass help with things such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. However, in some circumstances, Medicare will help you pay for short-term care in specific nursing facilities. You can also look for programs in the U.S., such as veteran’s benefits, that may help cover the cost of assisted living. Long-term care insurance policies can also be an option for covering the cost of assisted living.

Nursing homes offer residents a greater degree of medical care and attention than assisted living facilities. Medical professionals are on site to tend to residents’ needs around the clock. Assisted living facilities are more appropriate for older adults who need help with certain daily living tasks, such as getting dressed, but want to maintain more independence and access to social activities.